Abstract

The dietary habits and food preferences in the adolescent age group can influence their physical growth. The importance of healthy eating habits cannot be ignored. Faulty eating habits among adolescents contribute towards under nutrition, over nutrition and micronutrient deficiency. Objectives: Aim of this study to evaluate the changing dietary habits and nutritional status of school-going adolescents. Methods: This was a questionnaire based cross-sectional observational study, conducted in the department of paediatrics in a tertiary care center, India. A total of 350 schools going adolescent were analysed. The socio-demographic profile, anthropometric measurements and dietary habits using simplified dietary gap assessment tool was recorded. The data collected was analysed using the statistical analysis SSPS version 22. Results: Out of total study participants 45.1% were males and 54.9% females. 42.3% adolescents’ father occupation was unskilled workers and 90.9% adolescent mothers had house wife. Majority of the adolescent (58.3%) have normal weight and 69.2% had a normal stature. Majority of the participants (56.9%) were vegetarian diet, 61.4% eat twice a day, 76.6% had one snack daily, 77.4% eat 1-3 servings per day. 57.1% adolescent never eat meat. most of them (66.3%) eat fast food sometimes, 60.6% drank milk daily. Only 2.3% of adolescent had food allergies, 58.6% of adolescent sometimes choose fast food over healthy and 65.1%) drinks 6-7 glass of water per day. Conclusion: The inadequate dietary habits significantly affect the physical development among adolescents. This will help to plan for nutritional supplementation and create awareness to develop healthy food choices among adolescents

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